Jerusalem: Israel's Supreme Court has mandated the government to provide a response by May 24 concerning a petition challenging a recently passed law that permits the execution of Palestinian prisoners. This development follows the submission of the petition by Adalah, a legal center advocating for minority rights in Israel.

According to Anadolu Agency, Adalah filed the petition in collaboration with various organizations and members of the Israeli parliament soon after the Knesset gave its approval to the contentious legislation. The petition argues that the law violates fundamental human rights by completely disregarding the right to life and imposing cruel, inhumane punishment.

The Supreme Court's decision compels the government to address the petition's arguments by the specified deadline. This comes after the law was passed in the Knesset with a 62-48 majority, supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The execution law stipulates that executions be conducted by hanging, carried out by prison guards from the Israeli Prison Service, who are granted anonymity and legal immunity. Additionally, those sentenced to death will be held in special detention facilities with strictly controlled visitations, and legal consultations will be restricted to video communication.

The legislation has ignited significant controversy, with approximately 1,200 prominent Israeli figures, including Nobel laureates, former military officials, and former Supreme Court judges, expressing their strong opposition in February, labeling the law a 'moral stain.'